UAV’s (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle)

SNB UAV Training

SNB’s volunteer UAV Instructors are only authorised to train volunteer UAV operators. Members who want to fly for paid employment need to contact **Surf Life Saving Australian UAV Service** and apply to train with them.

As our team of UAV Instructors is quite small at the moment, SLS members wanting to get on a course are asked to be patient while we ramp up our capability. If you’d like to join a course, you can submit an Expression of Interest to be added to the waiting list.

Priority will be given to members of Clubs that already have UAV equipment for their patrols.

The EOI can be completed by individual members, or by a Club representative on behalf of multiple members.

SNB UAV Training EOI

Becoming a Volunteer UAV Operator

Volunteer UAV Training in Sydney Northern Beaches is available to members who meet the following pre-requisites:

• Are a financial member of a Surf Life Saving Club in our Branch, Sydney Northern Beaches
• Are intending to be a volunteer UAV Operator for their Club to support patrols, water safety or Nipper activities
• Are at least 16 years of age
• Hold at least the Radio Operator Certificate award, or the equivalent unit of competency (and it appears on their member record as proficient)

If you wish to complete UAV training for paid employment (e.g., AUAVS / NSW Government DPIRD program), please note that SNB is only authorised to train volunteers, and you will need to complete your training through another provider.

Steps to Becoming a Qualified UAV Operator

Once members meet the eligibility criteria, the pathway to qualification includes:

1. SLSNSW UAV eLearning via Canvas. This will be assigned once you’re enrolled in a course and includes:
   1. Applying for an Aviation Reference Number from CASA
   2. Obtaining CASA Operator accreditation
2. UAV Operator Induction Program. A face-to-face program delivered by an endorsed UAV Instructor.
3. Supervised Flight Hours. Up to 8 logged hours of supervised flying, including recording flights in AVCRM.
4. Final Skills Assessment. Demonstrating AVCRM competency and required flying skills with Ernesto Calderon, SNB UAV Advisor, or his delegate.

Once all steps are completed, your paperwork will be submitted and the UAV Operator (non‑RePL) award will be added to your member record. You can then be rostered as a UAV Operator on patrol.

Members accepted into an Induction Program will receive all the information they need to complete the process smoothly.

Members with a Remote Pilot Licence (RePL)

If you already hold a RePL, you may be eligible for a shortened induction pathway focused on SLS-specific policies and procedures. Please email Belinda at the Branch office directly to request this.

Photography During Training

UAV Instructors may take photos during training sessions for use in Branch or SLSNSW communications. If you prefer not to be photographed, simply let your Instructor know on the day.

Annual UAV Skills Maintenance for Volunteer Operators

UAV awards expire each year on 31 December. To remain current, all UAV Operators must complete annual skills maintenance. SLSSNB will advise operators of the process and booking options when they become available each season.

If skills maintenance is not completed by 31 December, members will not be eligible to fly until they have completed the current skills maintenance requirements and their award is updated.